Writer/Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland
‘A Mesmerizing Masterpiece’
When it comes to the greatest poems written about Greek mythology, it’s worth praising The Odyssey. Through its depictions of heroes that seek to destroy the city of Troy, it became a tale readers enjoy. On a personal level, I find the poem about a centuries-old kingdom of heaven relatable. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyous memories of a grandpa that was a fan of Ithaca. Fond of Greek literature, my grandfather loved telling tales of bold warriors he would treasure. As charismatic as Oppenheimer, my grandfather would always treasure ancient Greek literature. Like Odysseus, my grandfather appreciated adventurous tales about courageous kings embarking on commemorated expeditions that were dangerous. It didn’t take long before I bonded with a grandfather that appreciated a mythological tale which was celebrated. As a young boy, I would enjoy spending time with a grandpa that admired the city of Troy. I valued precious time I spent with a relative giving me appreciation for Odysseus. Every Summer, I looked forward to embarking on odysseys to the theatre to watch gladiator movies with my grandfather. However, death brought my grandfather’s love for Greek mythology to a closure. After my grandmother passed away from a terminal illness causing contagion, he lost interest in embarking on Odysseus’ voyage expedition. Facing feelings of grief which were cruel, he lost interests seeing the last duel. Haunted by heartbreaking memories of the departed, my grandfather lost interest in commemorated Greek tales that he once appreciated. Facing a clash of the titans against depression, he lost interest in Greek fiction. As his love for entertainment became cast away, our relationship become distant in every way. Several years later, I treasure ancient Greek literature that has become a heartbreaking reminder of my grandfather.
As someone treasuring joyous memories of a grandfather that adored the tale of the odyssey, I loved “The Odyssey”. Released in 2026, Christopher Nolan’s latest movie honours Greek mythology. Packed with breathtaking action, engrossing storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s a mesmerizing masterpiece. At the centre of it all is Matt Damon, who embodies a king on a voyage expedition. Ultimately, what makes “The Odyssey” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Greek mythology to appreciate it. A magnificent historical masterpiece, there are several reasons why “The Odyssey” is worth watching.
Based on Greek mythology, “The Odyssey” tells the story of a king that embarks on a transformative odyssey journey. Matt Damon plays Odysseus, a king that’s courageous. After conquering intense battles in the Trojan War, Odysseus embarks on a journey to return home. However, Odysseus’ plans to return home are complicated by frightening monsters putting his life in grave danger. As he experiences obstacles that prove dangerous, Odysseus questions whether he can return to a home he once considered precious.
Christopher Nolan is fascinated with heroes on an odyssey expedition. His iconic blockbuster “Batman Begins” introduced the millionaire embarking on a voyage to become the caped crusader. With “The Odyssey”, however, Nolan has created his first ever Greek epic. It’s the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a legendary Greek poem on the big-screen but he succeeds. Using captivating cinematography, Nolan captures a king embarking on an adventurous odyssey. Evoking Wolfgang Petersen’s “Troy”, Nolan effectively uses handheld camera to capture warriors on a journey to destroy the city of Troy. For instance, handheld camera elevates the Troy memory scene. During this unforgettable scene, Odysseus expresses his love for his homeland by recalling a time of war. It brought back fond memories of a grandfather that adored discussing his love for ancient Greek mythology. Handheld camera is a tricky technique. As Steven Soderbergh’s “Contagion” suggested, handheld camerawork elevates movies about contagious viruses. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Nolan captures tensions that Greek warriors are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Odyssey” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive movies Nolan has made. Nolan has always excelled using practical effects in movies to evoke sense of wonder, and “The Odyssey” showcases his strengths as a filmmaker. Evoking “The Dark Knight” trilogy, Nolan effectively uses practical effects to stage action sequences that are engaging. For instance, practical effects elevate the Cyclops giant battle scene. During this unforgettable scene, Odysseus and his team of soldiers form a strong bond by striving to defeat a giant together. It reminded me of my powerful bond with a grandfather whose love for Greek mythology I always appreciated. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Ludwig Goransson’s score contributes to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the burden Greek warriors bear. Through stunning production, Nolan honours Greek fiction.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Odyssey” is a Greek blockbuster that is worth watching. The film is extremely well-written, and effectively uses non-linear storytelling to capture grief Greek warriors are facing. Evoking “Oppenheimer”, Nolan effectively uses a non-linear storytelling structure to capture Greek warriors whose lives are in danger. The film deftly switches between two distinct timelines: flashbacks of Odysseus’ family life and present-day scenes of life following warfare. For instance, non-linear storytelling elevates the family farewell scene. During this heartbreaking scene, Odysseus bids tearful farewell to his family as he embarks on his adventure. It reminded me of my grandfather’s grief when his wife passed away leaving him devastated. Non-linear storytelling is a tricky technique to use in blockbusters. As Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel” proved, non-linear storytelling elevates medieval movies about duels. Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” suggested non-linear storytelling elevates crime movies. Nevertheless, it works in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Nolan honours a Greek poem that’s beloved today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Matt Damon delivers one of his best career performances as Odysseus. Damon achieved appreciation for playing action heroes in classic espionage movies. With “Odysseus”, however, the actor took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary warrior in Greek mythology, but he succeeds. Evoking Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator”, Damon embodies a gladiator that embarks on an adventure. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and heroic spirit of a king that embarks on dangerous expeditions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actors working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Matt Damon, the supporting cast is also spectacular and deserves recognition. Anne Hathaway is amazing, capturing grief of a queen mourning the loss of her husband that has been cast away every day. Robert Pattinson is remarkable, bringing tension to a sinister suitor that’s determined to win over the queen’s affection. Lastly, Tom Holland merits appreciation. As Odysseus’ brave son, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “The Odyssey” would earn everyone’s appreciation for honouring a centuries-old story in Greek mythology. Evoking Louis Leterrier’s “Clash of the Titans”, the film honours a commemorated Greek tale about titans. Unlike most movies about Greek myths, the film tackles commemorated themes everyone would relate to. It discusses relatable themes such as family, identity and self-discovery that would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be entirely familiar with the centuries-old Greek story to appreciate it. Therefore, “The Odyssey” is one of those one-of-a-kind Greek blockbusters that everyone would adore.
Fans of Christopher Nolan will definitely enjoy “The Odyssey” and so will audiences seeking grand entertainment. An extraordinary historical epic, it proves iconic stories of Greek warriors are worth telling in movies adored by the public.
As strong as Odysseus’ desire to embark on an odyssey, it has motivated me to move on several years after parting way with a beloved grandfather that lost interest in Greek mythology following the heartbreaking death of his wife by remembering fond memories of a commemorated relative that inspired me to turn my dream of film criticism into reality.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 